hiv/aids worship resources - presbyterian mission agency · those living with hiv/aids. all: help...
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For more worship resourcesand to find out what PC(USA) is doing
regarding HIV and AIDS go to:
P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H ( U S A )PDS# 25 38407 004
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
P re s
byter ian AIDS Awareness
Sunday•WorldAIDSDay
International AIDSMinistryJoy RaatzHIV/AIDS INITIATIVE FACILITATOR(888) 728-7228 x5415email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
andPresbyterian AIDSNetwork
Presbyterian Health, Educationand Welfare Association (PHEWA)(888) 728-7228 x5800email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
One of the tennetworks of
For more worship resourcesand to find out what PC(USA) is doing
regarding HIV and AIDS go to:
P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H ( U S A )PDS# 25 38407 004
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
P re s
byter ian AIDS Awareness
Sunday•WorldAIDSDay
International AIDSMinistryJoy RaatzHIV/AIDS INITIATIVE FACILITATOR(888) 728-7228 x5415email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
andPresbyterian AIDSNetwork
Presbyterian Health, Educationand Welfare Association (PHEWA)(888) 728-7228 x5800email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
One of the tennetworks of
International AIDS MinistryJoy Raatz HIV/AIDS Initiative Facilitatorphone (888) 728-7228, ext. 5415
email [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
Presbyterian AIDS NetworkPresbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) phone (888) 728-7228, ext. 5800email [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
PDS# 25 38407 004
HIV and AIDS continue to impact the lives of millions ofpeople here in the United States and around the world. Weare all touched by the AIDS pandemic. The church is calledto speak a message of truth, hope, care and challenge; whatbetter place then in the context of worship.
Suggestions for Preparing anAIDS Sermon and Service• Reaffirm the dignity and humanity of those living with HIV and AIDS.• Develop a HIV and AIDS liturgy that promotes awareness, education,
and prevention, which also celebrates themes of life, reconciliation, justice, love and compassion.
• Remember that HIV and AIDS is a pandemic within other social diseasesof: poverty, racism, violence, gender inequity, and the unequal distributionof resources and healthcare.
• Be sensitive to the fact that the millions of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are not only confronted daily with the detrimental physical effects of the disease, but also face overwhelming feelings of fear, despair, hopelessness, sadness and depression.
• Encourage imagination and conversation around how the church and itsmembers can be used to support those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
• Consider having a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. It is a creative means for remembrance and healing. The quilt is now housed at the NAMES Project Foundation, located in Atlanta, Georgia: www.aidsquilt.org
• Invite an AIDS worker, a person with HIV or AIDS, a family member, or a friend to be part of the planning and participation of the service.
The following AIDS worship resource and additionalresources (see back of this brochure for web sites)
can be used forPresbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday
(2nd Sunday in October),World AIDS Day (December 1st),
or any time throughout the year.A personal prayer in the midst of a church
living with AIDS*
There are sisters and brothers in my community that are in desperate need ofhealing – healing from the ravages of HIV and AIDS. We don’t even know whothey are. Some of them are us. Walls of silence keep us apart. Many are fearfulto speak the name of HIV and AIDS.
God, bring us all to a truly safe place filled with compassion and understanding.Bring us all to this place of safety; that the church may embody your spirit ofprotection and healing.
What part do I play?Show me the way to make a difference.Guide my hands to hold the first hand.Open my heart to receive the first hug.Remind me that you have chosen me. I can help.
God, awaken the spirit within me.The Spirit that is mine is yours.Your Spirit refreshes the soul with serenity.Your Spirit embodies the heart with courage.Your Spirit charts our right course with wisdom.
Help me break down the walls of separation within our community. Help mebuild bridges of love and understanding. Help me sweep away the debris of theisms, phobias, broken connections, and shattered hopes.
Prepare my heart to prepare your way. Encourage me to think the first thought,to make the first sound, to speak the first word. Help me break the silence.
• In preparation for a service lifting up HIV and AIDS, consider reviewingthe actions of General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Summaries of the Church’s official stances, policies, and guidelines can be found in the Presbyterian Social Witness Policy Compilation http://www.pcusa.org/acswp/.
2 3* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Suggested Scripture PassagesStepping into the pulpit to proclaim God’s healing mission to a worldsuffering with the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS may seem a bit dauntingat first. Doing one’s homework about the pandemic, reflecting theologically,reading scripture through that lens, will help the pastor deliver theoverwhelming message of God’s amazing grace and inclusive love for all. . . particularly those who have been marginalized by the church andsociety. The following scriptures are just a few suggestions to consider.
Deuteronomy 10 God loves the orphan, the widow and the strangerPsalm 142 A prayer for deliverancePsalm 146 The Lord watches over strangersIsaiah 53 He was despised and rejected by othersMatthew 8 The healing of the leper
Matthew 9 The paralyzed man and his friendsMatthew 11 Come to me, all you that are wearyMatthew 25 I was sick and you visited meMark 5 The woman who suffers from bleedingLuke 10 The good SamaritanLuke 13 The bent over womanLuke 14 The parable of the great banquetJohn 9 Rabbi, who sinned?John 13 Love one another
6 7
HIV and AIDS continue to impact the lives of millions ofpeople here in the United States and around the world. Weare all touched by the AIDS pandemic. The church is calledto speak a message of truth, hope, care and challenge; whatbetter place then in the context of worship.
Suggestions for Preparing anAIDS Sermon and Service• Reaffirm the dignity and humanity of those living with HIV and AIDS.• Develop a HIV and AIDS liturgy that promotes awareness, education,
and prevention, which also celebrates themes of life, reconciliation, justice, love and compassion.
• Remember that HIV and AIDS is a pandemic within other social diseasesof: poverty, racism, violence, gender inequity, and the unequal distributionof resources and healthcare.
• Be sensitive to the fact that the millions of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are not only confronted daily with the detrimental physical effects of the disease, but also face overwhelming feelings of fear, despair, hopelessness, sadness and depression.
• Encourage imagination and conversation around how the church and itsmembers can be used to support those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
• Consider having a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. It is a creative means for remembrance and healing. The quilt is now housed at the NAMES Project Foundation, located in Atlanta, Georgia: www.aidsquilt.org
• Invite an AIDS worker, a person with HIV or AIDS, a family member, or a friend to be part of the planning and participation of the service.
The following AIDS worship resource and additionalresources (see back of this brochure for web sites)
can be used forPresbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday
(2nd Sunday in October),World AIDS Day (December 1st),
or any time throughout the year.A personal prayer in the midst of a church
living with AIDS*
There are sisters and brothers in my community that are in desperate need ofhealing – healing from the ravages of HIV and AIDS. We don’t even know whothey are. Some of them are us. Walls of silence keep us apart. Many are fearfulto speak the name of HIV and AIDS.
God, bring us all to a truly safe place filled with compassion and understanding.Bring us all to this place of safety; that the church may embody your spirit ofprotection and healing.
What part do I play?Show me the way to make a difference.Guide my hands to hold the first hand.Open my heart to receive the first hug.Remind me that you have chosen me. I can help.
God, awaken the spirit within me.The Spirit that is mine is yours.Your Spirit refreshes the soul with serenity.Your Spirit embodies the heart with courage.Your Spirit charts our right course with wisdom.
Help me break down the walls of separation within our community. Help mebuild bridges of love and understanding. Help me sweep away the debris of theisms, phobias, broken connections, and shattered hopes.
Prepare my heart to prepare your way. Encourage me to think the first thought,to make the first sound, to speak the first word. Help me break the silence.
• In preparation for a service lifting up HIV and AIDS, consider reviewingthe actions of General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Summaries of the Church’s official stances, policies, and guidelines can be found in the Presbyterian Social Witness Policy Compilation http://www.pcusa.org/acswp/.
2 3* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Suggested Scripture PassagesStepping into the pulpit to proclaim God’s healing mission to a worldsuffering with the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS may seem a bit dauntingat first. Doing one’s homework about the pandemic, reflecting theologically,reading scripture through that lens, will help the pastor deliver theoverwhelming message of God’s amazing grace and inclusive love for all. . . particularly those who have been marginalized by the church andsociety. The following scriptures are just a few suggestions to consider.
Deuteronomy 10 God loves the orphan, the widow and the strangerPsalm 142 A prayer for deliverancePsalm 146 The Lord watches over strangersIsaiah 53 He was despised and rejected by othersMatthew 8 The healing of the leper
Matthew 9 The paralyzed man and his friendsMatthew 11 Come to me, all you that are wearyMatthew 25 I was sick and you visited meMark 5 The woman who suffers from bleedingLuke 10 The good SamaritanLuke 13 The bent over womanLuke 14 The parable of the great banquetJohn 9 Rabbi, who sinned?John 13 Love one another
6 7
Litany of Prayer and ConfessionOne: Last night over 8,000 people died of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our complacency.One: Last night 6,000 children were orphaned because of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our apathy.One: Every 8 seconds someone new is infected with AIDS.All: Forgive us for not having the time to raise awareness.One: Holy God, we know you hear the prayers and cries of
your people.All: Our lips express great need and we turn to your listening
presence.One: Loving and listening God, we pray for the strength needed
to help ease the burden of illness and stand in solidarity withthose living with HIV/AIDS.
All: Help us to see that in sharing one another’s grief, we growin strength and compassion.
One: We pray for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS; may they be strengthened to call upon you and upon us for helpand mercy.
All: Hear their prayers, God, and grant us the hearts needed torespond to their calls. Help us to meet their needs with loving spirits and willing hands.
One: We pray for the young who are infected with HIV/AIDS andthose who are orphaned because of AIDS.
All: Extend to the young your loving presence and comfort themwhen they feel scared and all alone.
One: Gracious God, we thank you for the friends, families, religiousorganizations and medical communities who help care forand support those living with HIV/AIDS. Help these peopleremain steadfast in their commitment to helping those livingwith HIV/AIDS.
All: Holy God, help fill them with the knowledge of your healingand redemptive love. Remind us all of the hope we findin you.
One: We pray for all who are ill that they may have courage, strength and hope.
All: Oh, God, inspire us to love and care for all of your children.Help us to serve those in need so that we may betterserve you.
— Andrew Black, Louisville Theological Seminary
Call to Commitment*One: Church, we are the Body of ChristAll: We are the Body of Christ, living with AIDS.One: If we choose, we can make a differenceAll: If we choose, we can contribute to the healing of AIDS.One: In our homes, in our church, in our community.All: In our bodies, in our minds, in our spirits.One: Our sisters and brothers, our parents and children are infected
with HIV.All: Our community is living and dying with AIDS.One: If we choose, the blocks to healing can be removed.All: We choose compassion. We choose to respond.One: Will you respond with your money, with your time, with your love?All: We are the Body of Christ. We choose to respond that AIDS
may be healed.We pray and act for the healing of AIDS.
4 5* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Litany of Prayer and ConfessionOne: Last night over 8,000 people died of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our complacency.One: Last night 6,000 children were orphaned because of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our apathy.One: Every 8 seconds someone new is infected with AIDS.All: Forgive us for not having the time to raise awareness.One: Holy God, we know you hear the prayers and cries of
your people.All: Our lips express great need and we turn to your listening
presence.One: Loving and listening God, we pray for the strength needed
to help ease the burden of illness and stand in solidarity withthose living with HIV/AIDS.
All: Help us to see that in sharing one another’s grief, we growin strength and compassion.
One: We pray for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS; may they be strengthened to call upon you and upon us for helpand mercy.
All: Hear their prayers, God, and grant us the hearts needed torespond to their calls. Help us to meet their needs with loving spirits and willing hands.
One: We pray for the young who are infected with HIV/AIDS andthose who are orphaned because of AIDS.
All: Extend to the young your loving presence and comfort themwhen they feel scared and all alone.
One: Gracious God, we thank you for the friends, families, religiousorganizations and medical communities who help care forand support those living with HIV/AIDS. Help these peopleremain steadfast in their commitment to helping those livingwith HIV/AIDS.
All: Holy God, help fill them with the knowledge of your healingand redemptive love. Remind us all of the hope we findin you.
One: We pray for all who are ill that they may have courage, strength and hope.
All: Oh, God, inspire us to love and care for all of your children.Help us to serve those in need so that we may betterserve you.
— Andrew Black, Louisville Theological Seminary
Call to Commitment*One: Church, we are the Body of ChristAll: We are the Body of Christ, living with AIDS.One: If we choose, we can make a differenceAll: If we choose, we can contribute to the healing of AIDS.One: In our homes, in our church, in our community.All: In our bodies, in our minds, in our spirits.One: Our sisters and brothers, our parents and children are infected
with HIV.All: Our community is living and dying with AIDS.One: If we choose, the blocks to healing can be removed.All: We choose compassion. We choose to respond.One: Will you respond with your money, with your time, with your love?All: We are the Body of Christ. We choose to respond that AIDS
may be healed.We pray and act for the healing of AIDS.
4 5* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Litany of Prayer and ConfessionOne: Last night over 8,000 people died of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our complacency.One: Last night 6,000 children were orphaned because of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our apathy.One: Every 8 seconds someone new is infected with AIDS.All: Forgive us for not having the time to raise awareness.One: Holy God, we know you hear the prayers and cries of
your people.All: Our lips express great need and we turn to your listening
presence.One: Loving and listening God, we pray for the strength needed
to help ease the burden of illness and stand in solidarity withthose living with HIV/AIDS.
All: Help us to see that in sharing one another’s grief, we growin strength and compassion.
One: We pray for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS; may they be strengthened to call upon you and upon us for helpand mercy.
All: Hear their prayers, God, and grant us the hearts needed torespond to their calls. Help us to meet their needs with loving spirits and willing hands.
One: We pray for the young who are infected with HIV/AIDS andthose who are orphaned because of AIDS.
All: Extend to the young your loving presence and comfort themwhen they feel scared and all alone.
One: Gracious God, we thank you for the friends, families, religiousorganizations and medical communities who help care forand support those living with HIV/AIDS. Help these peopleremain steadfast in their commitment to helping those livingwith HIV/AIDS.
All: Holy God, help fill them with the knowledge of your healingand redemptive love. Remind us all of the hope we findin you.
One: We pray for all who are ill that they may have courage, strength and hope.
All: Oh, God, inspire us to love and care for all of your children.Help us to serve those in need so that we may betterserve you.
— Andrew Black, Louisville Theological Seminary
Call to Commitment*One: Church, we are the Body of ChristAll: We are the Body of Christ, living with AIDS.One: If we choose, we can make a differenceAll: If we choose, we can contribute to the healing of AIDS.One: In our homes, in our church, in our community.All: In our bodies, in our minds, in our spirits.One: Our sisters and brothers, our parents and children are infected
with HIV.All: Our community is living and dying with AIDS.One: If we choose, the blocks to healing can be removed.All: We choose compassion. We choose to respond.One: Will you respond with your money, with your time, with your love?All: We are the Body of Christ. We choose to respond that AIDS
may be healed.We pray and act for the healing of AIDS.
4 5* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Litany of Prayer and ConfessionOne: Last night over 8,000 people died of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our complacency.One: Last night 6,000 children were orphaned because of AIDS.All: Forgive us for our apathy.One: Every 8 seconds someone new is infected with AIDS.All: Forgive us for not having the time to raise awareness.One: Holy God, we know you hear the prayers and cries of
your people.All: Our lips express great need and we turn to your listening
presence.One: Loving and listening God, we pray for the strength needed
to help ease the burden of illness and stand in solidarity withthose living with HIV/AIDS.
All: Help us to see that in sharing one another’s grief, we growin strength and compassion.
One: We pray for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS; may they be strengthened to call upon you and upon us for helpand mercy.
All: Hear their prayers, God, and grant us the hearts needed torespond to their calls. Help us to meet their needs with loving spirits and willing hands.
One: We pray for the young who are infected with HIV/AIDS andthose who are orphaned because of AIDS.
All: Extend to the young your loving presence and comfort themwhen they feel scared and all alone.
One: Gracious God, we thank you for the friends, families, religiousorganizations and medical communities who help care forand support those living with HIV/AIDS. Help these peopleremain steadfast in their commitment to helping those livingwith HIV/AIDS.
All: Holy God, help fill them with the knowledge of your healingand redemptive love. Remind us all of the hope we findin you.
One: We pray for all who are ill that they may have courage, strength and hope.
All: Oh, God, inspire us to love and care for all of your children.Help us to serve those in need so that we may betterserve you.
— Andrew Black, Louisville Theological Seminary
Call to Commitment*One: Church, we are the Body of ChristAll: We are the Body of Christ, living with AIDS.One: If we choose, we can make a differenceAll: If we choose, we can contribute to the healing of AIDS.One: In our homes, in our church, in our community.All: In our bodies, in our minds, in our spirits.One: Our sisters and brothers, our parents and children are infected
with HIV.All: Our community is living and dying with AIDS.One: If we choose, the blocks to healing can be removed.All: We choose compassion. We choose to respond.One: Will you respond with your money, with your time, with your love?All: We are the Body of Christ. We choose to respond that AIDS
may be healed.We pray and act for the healing of AIDS.
4 5* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
HIV and AIDS continue to impact the lives of millions ofpeople here in the United States and around the world. Weare all touched by the AIDS pandemic. The church is calledto speak a message of truth, hope, care and challenge; whatbetter place then in the context of worship.
Suggestions for Preparing anAIDS Sermon and Service• Reaffirm the dignity and humanity of those living with HIV and AIDS.• Develop a HIV and AIDS liturgy that promotes awareness, education,
and prevention, which also celebrates themes of life, reconciliation, justice, love and compassion.
• Remember that HIV and AIDS is a pandemic within other social diseasesof: poverty, racism, violence, gender inequity, and the unequal distributionof resources and healthcare.
• Be sensitive to the fact that the millions of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are not only confronted daily with the detrimental physical effects of the disease, but also face overwhelming feelings of fear, despair, hopelessness, sadness and depression.
• Encourage imagination and conversation around how the church and itsmembers can be used to support those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
• Consider having a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. It is a creative means for remembrance and healing. The quilt is now housed at the NAMES Project Foundation, located in Atlanta, Georgia: www.aidsquilt.org
• Invite an AIDS worker, a person with HIV or AIDS, a family member, or a friend to be part of the planning and participation of the service.
The following AIDS worship resource and additionalresources (see back of this brochure for web sites)
can be used forPresbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday
(2nd Sunday in October),World AIDS Day (December 1st),
or any time throughout the year.A personal prayer in the midst of a church
living with AIDS*
There are sisters and brothers in my community that are in desperate need ofhealing – healing from the ravages of HIV and AIDS. We don’t even know whothey are. Some of them are us. Walls of silence keep us apart. Many are fearfulto speak the name of HIV and AIDS.
God, bring us all to a truly safe place filled with compassion and understanding.Bring us all to this place of safety; that the church may embody your spirit ofprotection and healing.
What part do I play?Show me the way to make a difference.Guide my hands to hold the first hand.Open my heart to receive the first hug.Remind me that you have chosen me. I can help.
God, awaken the spirit within me.The Spirit that is mine is yours.Your Spirit refreshes the soul with serenity.Your Spirit embodies the heart with courage.Your Spirit charts our right course with wisdom.
Help me break down the walls of separation within our community. Help mebuild bridges of love and understanding. Help me sweep away the debris of theisms, phobias, broken connections, and shattered hopes.
Prepare my heart to prepare your way. Encourage me to think the first thought,to make the first sound, to speak the first word. Help me break the silence.
• In preparation for a service lifting up HIV and AIDS, consider reviewingthe actions of General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Summaries of the Church’s official stances, policies, and guidelines can be found in the Presbyterian Social Witness Policy Compilation http://www.pcusa.org/acswp/.
2 3* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Suggested Scripture PassagesStepping into the pulpit to proclaim God’s healing mission to a worldsuffering with the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS may seem a bit dauntingat first. Doing one’s homework about the pandemic, reflecting theologically,reading scripture through that lens, will help the pastor deliver theoverwhelming message of God’s amazing grace and inclusive love for all. . . particularly those who have been marginalized by the church andsociety. The following scriptures are just a few suggestions to consider.
Deuteronomy 10 God loves the orphan, the widow and the strangerPsalm 142 A prayer for deliverancePsalm 146 The Lord watches over strangersIsaiah 53 He was despised and rejected by othersMatthew 8 The healing of the leper
Matthew 9 The paralyzed man and his friendsMatthew 11 Come to me, all you that are wearyMatthew 25 I was sick and you visited meMark 5 The woman who suffers from bleedingLuke 10 The good SamaritanLuke 13 The bent over womanLuke 14 The parable of the great banquetJohn 9 Rabbi, who sinned?John 13 Love one another
6 7
HIV and AIDS continue to impact the lives of millions ofpeople here in the United States and around the world. Weare all touched by the AIDS pandemic. The church is calledto speak a message of truth, hope, care and challenge; whatbetter place then in the context of worship.
Suggestions for Preparing anAIDS Sermon and Service• Reaffirm the dignity and humanity of those living with HIV and AIDS.• Develop a HIV and AIDS liturgy that promotes awareness, education,
and prevention, which also celebrates themes of life, reconciliation, justice, love and compassion.
• Remember that HIV and AIDS is a pandemic within other social diseasesof: poverty, racism, violence, gender inequity, and the unequal distributionof resources and healthcare.
• Be sensitive to the fact that the millions of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are not only confronted daily with the detrimental physical effects of the disease, but also face overwhelming feelings of fear, despair, hopelessness, sadness and depression.
• Encourage imagination and conversation around how the church and itsmembers can be used to support those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
• Consider having a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. It is a creative means for remembrance and healing. The quilt is now housed at the NAMES Project Foundation, located in Atlanta, Georgia: www.aidsquilt.org
• Invite an AIDS worker, a person with HIV or AIDS, a family member, or a friend to be part of the planning and participation of the service.
The following AIDS worship resource and additionalresources (see back of this brochure for web sites)
can be used forPresbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday
(2nd Sunday in October),World AIDS Day (December 1st),
or any time throughout the year.A personal prayer in the midst of a church
living with AIDS*
There are sisters and brothers in my community that are in desperate need ofhealing – healing from the ravages of HIV and AIDS. We don’t even know whothey are. Some of them are us. Walls of silence keep us apart. Many are fearfulto speak the name of HIV and AIDS.
God, bring us all to a truly safe place filled with compassion and understanding.Bring us all to this place of safety; that the church may embody your spirit ofprotection and healing.
What part do I play?Show me the way to make a difference.Guide my hands to hold the first hand.Open my heart to receive the first hug.Remind me that you have chosen me. I can help.
God, awaken the spirit within me.The Spirit that is mine is yours.Your Spirit refreshes the soul with serenity.Your Spirit embodies the heart with courage.Your Spirit charts our right course with wisdom.
Help me break down the walls of separation within our community. Help mebuild bridges of love and understanding. Help me sweep away the debris of theisms, phobias, broken connections, and shattered hopes.
Prepare my heart to prepare your way. Encourage me to think the first thought,to make the first sound, to speak the first word. Help me break the silence.
• In preparation for a service lifting up HIV and AIDS, consider reviewingthe actions of General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Summaries of the Church’s official stances, policies, and guidelines can be found in the Presbyterian Social Witness Policy Compilation http://www.pcusa.org/acswp/.
2 3* We will Break the Silence, the Balm in Gilead, Copyright © 2005, The Balm In Gilead™
Suggested Scripture PassagesStepping into the pulpit to proclaim God’s healing mission to a worldsuffering with the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS may seem a bit dauntingat first. Doing one’s homework about the pandemic, reflecting theologically,reading scripture through that lens, will help the pastor deliver theoverwhelming message of God’s amazing grace and inclusive love for all. . . particularly those who have been marginalized by the church andsociety. The following scriptures are just a few suggestions to consider.
Deuteronomy 10 God loves the orphan, the widow and the strangerPsalm 142 A prayer for deliverancePsalm 146 The Lord watches over strangersIsaiah 53 He was despised and rejected by othersMatthew 8 The healing of the leper
Matthew 9 The paralyzed man and his friendsMatthew 11 Come to me, all you that are wearyMatthew 25 I was sick and you visited meMark 5 The woman who suffers from bleedingLuke 10 The good SamaritanLuke 13 The bent over womanLuke 14 The parable of the great banquetJohn 9 Rabbi, who sinned?John 13 Love one another
6 7
For more worship resourcesand to find out what PC(USA) is doing
regarding HIV and AIDS go to:
P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H ( U S A )PDS# 25 38407 004
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
P re s
byter ian AIDS Awareness
Sunday•WorldAIDSDay
International AIDSMinistryJoy RaatzHIV/AIDS INITIATIVE FACILITATOR(888) 728-7228 x5415email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
andPresbyterian AIDSNetwork
Presbyterian Health, Educationand Welfare Association (PHEWA)(888) 728-7228 x5800email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
One of the tennetworks of
For more worship resourcesand to find out what PC(USA) is doing
regarding HIV and AIDS go to:
P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H ( U S A )PDS# 25 38407 004
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
P re s
byter ian AIDS Awareness
Sunday•WorldAIDSDay
International AIDSMinistryJoy RaatzHIV/AIDS INITIATIVE FACILITATOR(888) 728-7228 x5415email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
andPresbyterian AIDSNetwork
Presbyterian Health, Educationand Welfare Association (PHEWA)(888) 728-7228 x5800email: [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
One of the tennetworks of
International AIDS MinistryJoy Raatz HIV/AIDS Initiative Facilitatorphone (888) 728-7228, ext. 5415
email [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/aids-international
Presbyterian AIDS NetworkPresbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) phone (888) 728-7228, ext. 5800email [email protected]
www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan
100 Witherspoon Street • Louisville, KY 40202-1396
PDS# 25 38407 004